Game apparatus and storing medium that stores game program

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in this game apparatus, a proceeding direction of a player object in a switched scene is detected when the scene is switched. Regarding the proceeding direction, in a case of a drainpipe, and etc., having an exit in the switched scene with a directionality, its direction of the exit is detected, and in a case of a door, and etc., having the exit without directionality, the proceeding direction of the player object in the scene yet to be switched is detected, for example. Furthermore, a screen display position of a display screen is adjusted in such a manner that a display area on a proceeding direction side in the switched scene is rendered as large as possible, for example. Therefore, the display screen, on which the proceeding direction in the switched scene is reflected, is generated and displayed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a game apparatus and a storage medium that stores a game program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a game apparatus and a storage medium that stores a game program in which a background image having a plurality of scenes, and larger than a display screen displayed on a display in each scene is displayed on the display by scrolling.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Conventionally, there is a game apparatus in which when a player object enters a doorway (exit or entrance) such as a drainpipe, and etc., in a certain scene (stage), the scene is switched to a different scene. In a conventional game apparatus of such the kind, when the scene is switched to the different scene, the player object is always displayed in the same position on a display screen. Then, after being switched, the display screen is scrolled to a proceeding direction at a time that the player object enters the entrance in the scene yet to be switched, automatically and without an operation of a player, or after being switched, a display position in the switched scene is maintained until the operation by the player, and the display screen is scrolled to a direction of the operation when the operation is made, and so forth, for example.

[0005] In the prior art, a predetermined display screen always is displayed after being switched irrespective of the proceeding direction of the scene yet to be switched, and etc., so that there is a problem that the player finds it difficult to recognize the proceeding direction in the switched scene. Furthermore, in a case that a display area on a direction side that the player intends to proceed in the switched display screen is narrow, and etc., so little information is obtained on a geography on the proceeding direction side, an enemy, and etc., so that the player cannot recognize what exists in the proceeding direction, thus leading to a problem that it is difficult to play. In addition, there is an unnatural and strange feeling that the display screen is scrolled without any operation after being switched. Furthermore, in a case that the display screen is scrolled to an operating direction in response to the operation of the player, the predetermined display screen is merely displayed before being operated so that as described above, the player finds it difficult to recognize the proceeding direction in the switched scene, and in addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus, and storage medium that stores a game program.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel game apparatus, and storage medium that stores a game program easy to recognize a direction to proceed, easy to recognize what exists in a proceeding direction, and capable of performing a screen display easy to play.

[0008] A game apparatus according to the present invention is a game apparatus in which a background image having a plurality of scenes and larger than a display screen displayed on a display in each scene is displayed on the display by scrolling. The game apparatus comprises an operating means, a player object generating means, a background image generating means, a position detecting means, a scene switching means, a proceeding direction detecting means, an adjusting means, and a displayed data generating means. In this game apparatus, the operating means is operated by a player. The player object generating means generates a player object operated based on an operation input from the operating means. The background image generating means generates the background image displayed in a scrolling manner based on a movement of the player object. The position detecting means detects a position of the player object. The scene switching means switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected at least by the position detecting means that the player object exists in a predetermined position. The proceeding direction detecting means detects a proceeding direction of the player object in a switched scene by the scene switching means. The adjusting means adjusts a position of the display screen in the switched scene based on the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting means. Furthermore, the displayed data generating means generates displayed data for displaying on the display the display screen including the player object generated by the player object generating means and the background image generated by the background image generating means based on the position of the display screen adjusted by the adjusting means when the scene is switched by the scene switching means.

[0009] More specifically, the game apparatus (10: reference numeral. Hereinafter, the same is true.) allows a background image (104) having a plurality of scenes and larger than a display screen (104) displayed on a display (16) in each scene to be displayed on the display by scrolling. In this game apparatus, the operating means (18-30, 32) is operated by a player. The player object generating means (40, 62 c, S5) generates a player object (108) operated based on an operation input from the operating means. The background image generating means (40, 64 a, S1, S13) generates the background image displayed in a scrolling manner based on a movement of the player object. The position detecting means (40, 62 a, S19) detects a position of the player object. The scene switching means (40, 64 c, S21) switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected at least by the position detecting means that the player object exists in a predetermined position. Herein, the predetermined position may be a position of an entrance (112) for switching the scene, or a position adjacent thereto, and etc., for example. The proceeding direction detecting means (40, 62 b, S31, S39, S43-S49, S53) detects a proceeding direction of the player object in a switched scene by the scene switching means. The adjusting means (40, 64 c, S61-S65, S71-S73, S107-S113) adjusts a position of the display screen in the switched scene based on the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting means. Furthermore, the displayed data generating means (40, 66, 68, S9-S11, S15) generates displayed data for displaying on the display the display screen including the player object generated by the player object generating means and the background image generated by the background image generating means based on the position of the display screen adjusted by the adjusting means when the scene is switched by the scene switching means.

[0010] Therefore, according to the present invention, when the scene is switched, the proceeding direction in the switched scene is detected, and the position of the display screen is adjusted based on the detected proceeding direction so that it is possible to generate and display the display screen on which the proceeding direction is reflected. Therefore, the direction to be proceeded is easily grasped, and in addition, it is possible to display the display screen easy to understand what exists in the proceeding direction, and perform a screen display for the player to easily play.

[0011] In a certain embodiment, the proceeding direction detecting means detects the proceeding direction of the player object in a scene yet to be switched as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. The adjusting means adjusts the position of the display screen based on the proceeding direction in the scene yet to be switched detected by the proceeding direction detecting means.

[0012] More specifically, the proceeding direction detecting means (S31) detects the proceeding direction of the player object in a scene yet to be switched as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. In a case that an exist (114) has no directionality in the switched scene, and etc., for example, the proceeding direction yet to be switched is adopted as the switched direction. In addition, the adjusting means adjusts the position of the display screen based on the proceeding direction in the scene yet to be switched detected by the proceeding direction detecting means. In this case, the proceeding direction is made equal before and after the scene is switched so that it is possible to perform the screen display further easily to play.

[0013] In another embodiment, the proceeding direction detecting means detects a direction of an exit in the switched scene as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. The adjusting means adjusts the position of the display screen based on the direction of the exit detected by the proceeding direction detecting means.

[0014] More specifically, the proceeding direction detecting means (S43-S47, S53-S57) detects a direction of an exit (114) in the switched scene as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. That is, in a case that the exist such as a drainpipe of a horizontal direction, a drainpipe of a vertical direction, and etc., has a directionality, for example, the switched proceeding direction is forcedly adjusted to the direction of the exit. In addition, the adjusting means adjusts the position of the display screen based on the direction of the exit detected by the proceeding direction detecting means. In this case, it is possible to generate a display screen on which the proceeding direction suited to a situation of the switched scene is reflected.

[0015] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the adjusting means adjusts the position of the display screen in such a manner that a display area on the proceeding direction side in the switched scene is rendered as large as possible. In this case, the proceeding direction becomes easy to understand, and in addition, it is possible to increase information obtained from the proceeding direction side such as the geography, an enemy, and etc., for example. This enables a player to easily determine what operation to be performed next, thus becoming easier for the player to perform the play after the scene is switched.

[0016] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the adjusting means calculates an adjusting position based on position data of the player object in the switched scene. In this case, the adjusting position may be calculated and adjusted as required when a switching of the scene is needed so that it is possible to render a data volume small.

[0017] In a certain aspect, the game apparatus further comprises an adjusted position data storing means for storing adjusted position data correlated with each proceeding direction in the switched scene. The adjusting means sets the adjusted position data corresponding to the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting means to the position of the display screen.

[0018] More specifically, the adjusted position data storing means (52, 48) stores adjusted position data correlated with each proceeding direction in the switched scene. In addition, the adjusting means sets the adjusted position data corresponding to the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting means to the position of the display screen. In this case, it is possible to determine a free screen position adjusted to the proceeding direction by each switched scene, and display the display screen suited to a situation by each switched scene.

[0019] In another embodiment, the scene switching means switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by the position detecting means that the player object exists in a predetermined position, and when there is a predetermined operation from the operating means. In this case, it is possible to cause the scene to be switched only when the operation for the scene switching is securely performed.

[0020] A storage medium that stores a game program according to the present invention is a storage medium that stores a game program to be executed by a game apparatus provided with an operating means operated by a player, and in which a background image having a plurality of scenes, and larger than a display screen displayed on a display in each scene is displayed on the display by scrolling. This game program allows a processor of the game apparatus to execute a player object generating step, a background image generating step, a position detecting step, a scene switching step, a proceeding direction detecting step, an adjusting step, and a displayed data generating step. The player object generating step generates a player object operated based on an operation input from the operating means. The background image generating step generates the background image displayed in a scrolling manner based on a movement of the player object. The position detecting step detects a position of the player object. The scene switching step switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by at least the position detecting step that the player object exists in a predetermined position. The proceeding direction detecting step detects a proceeding direction of the player object in a switched scene by the scene switching step. The adjusting step adjusts a position of the display screen in the switched scene based on the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting step. The displayed data generating step generates displayed data for displaying on the display the display screen including the player object generated by the player object generating step and the background image generated by the background image generating step based on the position of the display screen adjusted by the adjusting step when the scene is switched by the scene switching step.

[0021] In a certain embodiment, the proceeding direction detecting step detects the proceeding direction of the player object in a scene yet to be switched as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. The adjusting step adjusts the position of the display screen based on the proceeding direction in the scene yet to be switched detected by the proceeding direction detecting step.

[0022] In another embodiment, the proceeding direction detecting step detects a direction of an exit in the switched scene as the proceeding direction in the switched scene. The adjusting step adjusts the position of the display screen based on the direction of the exit detected by the proceeding direction detecting step.

[0023] In addition, in a certain embodiment, the adjusting step adjusts the position of the display screen in such a manner that a display area on the proceeding direction side in the switched scene is rendered as large as possible.

[0024] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the adjusting step calculates an adjusting position based on position data of the player object in the switched scene.

[0025] In a certain aspect, the game apparatus further comprises an adjusted position data storing means for storing adjusted position data correlated with each proceeding direction in the switched scene. In this game program, the adjusting step sets the adjusted position data corresponding to the proceeding direction detected by the proceeding direction detecting step to the position of the display screen.

[0026] In another embodiment, the scene switching step switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by the position detecting step that the player object exists in a predetermined position, and when there is a predetermined operation from the operating means.

[0027] By these storing media that store the game program, too, similar to the above-described game apparatus, the direction to be proceeded is easily grasped, and in addition, it is possible to perform the display screen for easily understanding what exists in the proceeding direction, thus possible to perform the screen display for the player to easily play.

[0028] According to the present invention, when the scene is switched, it is possible to display the display screen in which the proceeding direction in the switched scene is reflected. Therefore, the direction to be proceeded is easily understood, and in addition, it is possible to perform the display screen for easily understanding what exists in the proceeding direction, thus possible to perform the screen display for the player to easily play.

[0029] The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is an outline view showing a game apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of internal structure of the game apparatus in a FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of a cartridge ROM in FIG. 2;

[0033]FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of the memory map of a working memory in FIG. 2;

[0034]FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a relationship between a background image (entire course) and a screen position in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for a screen adjustment in a horizontal direction when a proceeding direction in a switched scene faces to left;

[0036]FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction when the proceeding direction in the switched scene faces to right;

[0037]FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the screen adjustment in a vertical direction in the switched scene;

[0038]FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of an operating manner for an area switch in a scene yet to be switched, (A) shows a right-facing moving manner toward a predetermined position, and (B) shows a predetermined operating manner in the predetermined position.

[0039]FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing one example of a manner that a player object is forcedly moved in a switching destination, (A) shows an initial position of the player object in the switched scene, and (B) shows a position after being forcedly moved.

[0040]FIG. 11 is an illustrative view for describing the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the proceeding direction faces to right in the switched scene, (A) shows a manner that the player object is arranged slightly to the right of the display screen, and (B) shows an adjusted display screen position in the horizontal direction.

[0041]FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of the display screen having a screen position adjusted in FIG. 11, (A) shows the display screen including the player object arranged in the initial position, and (B) shows the display screen including the player object forcedly moved later;

[0042]FIG. 13 is an illustrative view for describing a corrective adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the proceeding direction faces to right in the switched scene, (A) shows a manner that the player object is arranged slightly left of the display screen, and (B) shows the adjusted display screen;

[0043]FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a manner that the player object is arranged in an approximately center of the display screen in a case that the proceeding direction in the switched scene faces to right;

[0044]FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing one example of an operating manner for the area switch in the scene yet to be switched, (A) shows a left-facing moving manner toward a predetermined position, and (B) shows a predetermined operation in the predetermined position;

[0045]FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for describing the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the proceeding direction in the switched scene faces to left, (A) shows a manner that the player object is arranged slightly left of the display screen, and (B) shows an adjusted display screen position in the horizontal direction;

[0046]FIG. 17 is an illustrative view for describing a corrective screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the proceeding direction in the switched scene faces to left, (A) shows a manner that the player object is arranged slightly right of the display screen, and (B) shows the adjusted display screen;

[0047]FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing one example of a manner that the player object is arranged in an approximately center of the display screen in a case that the proceeding direction in the switched scene faces to left;

[0048]FIG. 19 is an illustrative view for describing a screen adjustment in the vertical direction in a case that an exit in the switched scene is an upward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows an initial manner that the player object is arranged in a slightly upper portion of the display screen, (B) shows a setting manner of a lower-side parameter, and (C) shows an adjusted display screen position toward an upper side;

[0049]FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing a manner that the player object is arranged in a slightly lower portion in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the upward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows an initial manner, and (B) shows the setting manner of the lower-side parameter;

[0050]FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing a manner that the player object is arranged in an approximately center in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the upward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows the initial manner, and (B) shows the setting manner of the lower-side parameter;

[0051]FIG. 22 is an illustrative view for describing the screen adjustment in the vertical direction in a case that the exit in the switched scene is a downward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows an initial manner that the player object is arranged in a slightly lower portion of the display screen, (B) shows the setting manner of an upper-side parameter, and (C) shows the adjusted display screen position toward a lower side;

[0052]FIG. 23 is an illustrative view showing a manner that the player object is arranged in a slightly upper portion in a case that the exit in the switched scene is a downward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows the initial manner, and (B) shows the setting manner of the upper-side parameter;

[0053]FIG. 24 is an illustrative view showing a manner that the player object is arranged in an approximately center in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the downward-facing drainpipe, (A) shows the initial manner, and (B) shows the setting manner of the upper-side parameter;

[0054]FIG. 25 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the right-facing drainpipe;

[0055]FIG. 26 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the left-facing drainpipe;

[0056]FIG. 27 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the corrective adjustment in the vertical direction in a case that the exit in the switched scene is the right-facing drainpipe;

[0057]FIG. 28 is an illustrative view for describing the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the switching destination is a door having no directionality, (A) shows a manner that the right-facing player object yet to be switched moves toward an entrance, (B) is an illustrative view showing the parameter for the switched screen adjustment in horizontal direction;

[0058]FIG. 29 is an illustrative view for describing the screen adjustment in the horizontal direction in a case that the switching destination is the door having no directionality, (A) shows a manner that the left-facing player object yet to be switched moves toward the entrance, (B) is an illustrative view showing the parameter for the switched screen adjustment in horizontal direction;

[0059]FIG. 30 is an illustrative view showing a parameter for the corrective adjustment in the vertical direction in a case that the switching destination is the door having no directionality;

[0060]FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing one example of a game operation in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing one portion of one example of an area switching process in FIG. 31;

[0062]FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing one portion continued from FIG. 32;

[0063]FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing one portion continued from FIG. 33;

[0064]FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing one portion continued from FIG. 34; and

[0065]FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a continued portion from FIG. 35.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] A game apparatus 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a game machine 12 and a cartridge 14 connected to the game machine 12. A handheld game machine, and etc., such as GameBoy Advance (GAMEBOY ADVANCE: product name), for example, may be applicable as the game machine 12. It is noted that the game apparatus 10 is not limited to the handheld game machine 12, and a video game machine, and etc., to be used by being connected to a home-use television receiver may be applicable, for example. In addition, a game information storage medium is not limited to the cartridge 14, and various kinds of information storing media such as an optical information storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, and etc., a magnetooptical disk, or a magnetic disk, and etc, may be applicable.

[0067] At an approximately center portion of a front surface of a housing of the game machine 12, provided is a color liquid crystal display (LCD) 16 as a display. In this LCD 16, a game image including a game world, a game character, and etc., are displayed.

[0068] In a front surface of the housing, in a predetermined position at the left of the LCD 16, provided are a cross button 18, a start button 20, and a select button 22, and in addition, in a predetermined position at the right of the LCD 16, provided are an A button 24 and a B button 24. Furthermore, on either edge portion on the both sides of an upper surface (ceiling surface) of the housing, provided are an L button 28 and an R button 30. Each of these buttons is operating means for a user to operate a game, and collectively shown as an operating portion 32 in FIG. 2.

[0069] The cross button 18 functions as a direction switch, and by depressing one of four depressing portions, it becomes possible to move a player character (player object), a cursor, and etc., displayed on the LCD 16 in vertical and horizontal directions. The start button 20 is used for instructing starting the game, and so forth, and the select button 22 is used for selecting a game mode, and so forth. Primarily, the A button 24 is used for selecting (determining) an item designated by the cursor, and so forth, and the B button 26 is used for canceling the selected item, and so forth. In addition, as a result of being operated one by one or in combination of the other buttons, the A button 24, the B button 26, the L button 28, and the R button 30 are capable of allowing the player object displayed on the LCD 16 to perform certain actions, which are previously determined by each operation, such as throw, catch, jump, cut with a sword, start talking, and so forth, for example,

[0070] A slot 34 is provided on a far side of the upper surface of the housing, and the cartridge 14 is inserted into this slot 34 to be detachably mounted. Inside the slot 34 and in an inserting direction edge portion aperture of the cartridge 14, a connector 36 and a connector 38 (FIG. 2) capable of being connected to each other are provided. Therefore, when the connector 36 and the connector 38 are connected, the cartridge 14 is rendered accessible by a CPU 40 (FIG. 2) of the game machine 12. Furthermore, on a near side of the upper surface of the housing, an external expansion connector (communication-use connector) 42 (FIG. 2) is provided. To this connector 42, a communication cable (not shown) is connected at a time of performing an interactive play, and etc., for example.

[0071] Below the A button 24 and the B button 26 on the front surface of the housing, a speaker 44 is provided, and a game voice or a game sound such as a BGM sound effect, and etc., during the game are output. In addition, above the A button 24 and the B button 26, a power lamp 46, of which lamp is lit as a result of its switch being turned on, and color changes according to a battery remaining amount, is provided.

[0072] Furthermore, although not illustrated, a battery containing box to which a battery and etc., are set is provided at a back of a case, and on a bottom surface of the case, a power switch, a sound volume adjusting knob, a headphone connecting terminal, and etc., are provided.

[0073] In FIG. 2, electric structure of this game apparatus 10 (game machine 12 and the cartridge 14) is illustrated. Referring to this FIG. 2, the game machine 12 includes the CPU 40, and this CPU 40 is also referred to as a processor or a computer, and etc. This CPU 40 is responsible for controlling the whole game machine 12. To the CPU 40, the above-described LCD 16, the operating portion 32, and the connector 36 are connected via an internal bus, and a working memory 48, a transmitting/receiving buffer 50, and etc., are also connected.

[0074] A display signal is applied from the CPU 40 to the LCD 16 so as to display a game image. It is noted that although not illustrated, a VRAM, an LCD controller, and etc., are connected to the CPU 40, for example, and under instruction of the CPU 40, background image data, character image data, and game image data are rendered in the VRAM. In addition, the LCD controller reads out the game image data (displayed data) rendered in the VRAM according to an instruction of the CPU 40, and displays a character, a game screen (display screen), and etc., on the LCD 16. In this embodiment, the VRAM has a storage area larger than a screen displayed on the LCD 16.

[0075] The operating means 32 includes each of the above-described operating buttons 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, and is capable of applying an operation input signal corresponding to an operation of each of these operating buttons to the CPU 40. Therefore, the CPU 40 executes a process according to an instruction of a player (user), which is applied through the operating portion 32.

[0076] The working memory 48 is a writable/readable memory, and used as a work area and a buffer area of the CPU 40. The transmitting/receiving buffer 50 is a buffer for temporarily storing transmitting/receiving data in a case of performing an interactive play of a multiplayer game, and so forth, for example, and connected to the external expansion connector 42. As a result of the connector 42 being connected to another game machine 12 using a communication cable not shown, it becomes possible to perform a data transmission among a plurality of the game machines 12.

[0077] In addition, although not illustrated, the speaker 46 is connected to the CPU 40 via a sound circuit, and a sound signal is applied to the sound circuit from the CPU 40 so as to output the game sound such as the game music, and the sound effect from the speaker 46.

[0078] In the cartridge 14, a ROM 52 and a RAM 54 are contained. The ROM 52 and the RAM 54 are connected to each other via the bus, and connected to the connector 38. Therefore, as described above, when the cartridge 14 is attached to the game machine 12, and as a result, the connector 38 and the connector 36 are connected, which allows the CPU 40 to be electrically connected to the ROM 52 and the RAM 54. Therefore, the CPU 40 is capable of reading out predetermined program data from a predetermined area of the ROM 52, and expanding the program data in the working memory 48, reading out predetermined backup data from the RAM 54, and writing the backup data into the working memory 48, writing into a predetermined area of the RAM 54 the game data generated in the working memory 48 corresponding to a proceeding situation of the game, and etc, and saving the game data, and etc., and so forth, for example.

[0079] It is noted that although a flash memory, which is a non-volatile memory, may be used for the RAM 54, a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM), an EEPROM, and etc., may be adopted as another non-volatile memory. In addition, an SRAM and a DRAM, and etc., that use the battery may be used for the RAM 54.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the ROM 52 includes a game program storing area 56 and a game data storing area 58. In the game program storing area 56, a controller input detecting program 60, an object controlling program 62, a background controlling program 64, an object displaying program 66, a background displaying program 68, a communication controlling program 70, a sound controlling program 72, a game progress controlling program 74, other game programs 76, and etc., are stored in advance. In the game data storing area 58, object image data 78, background image data 80, map arrangement data 82, sound data 84, other data 86, and etc., are stored in advance.

[0081] In FIG. 4, one example of the memory map of the working memory 48 is illustrated. The working memory 48 includes a program storing area 88 and a data storing area 90. In the program storing area 88, the game program read out from the ROM 52 of the cartridge 14 is stored all at once or partially and sequentially. That is, in the program storing area 88, the object controlling program 62, the background controlling program 64, the background displaying program 68, the object displaying program 66, a controller input detecting program 60, and other programs (70, 72, 74, 76, and etc.) are stored. The CPU 40 executes the game process according to the game programs. The object controlling program 62 includes a program for controlling each of the player object (moving image character operable by the player) and other objects (enemy object, background object, and etc.). More specifically, a player object position detecting program 62 a, a player object proceeding direction detecting program 62 b, a player object operating program 62 c, Other-objects arranging program 62 d, other-objects controlling program 62 e, and etc., are included. The background controlling program 64 includes a background arranging program 64 a, a scroll limit detecting program 64 b, a scroll controlling program 64, and etc.

[0082] In addition, in the data storing area 90, the game data read out from the ROM 52 of the cartridge 14 and the game data generated during the game area stored. That is, in the game data storing area 90, screen display position data 92, player object position data 94, player object direction data 96, player object image data 78 a, background image data 80, first map data 82 a before an area (scene) is switched, second map data 82 b after the area is switched, scroll control position (parameter) data 98, scroll limit position data 100, other data 102, and etc., are stored. In other data 102, image data 78 of the object other than the player object, the sound data 84, other data 86, another game data necessary for a proceeding of the game, flag data, and etc., are stored.

[0083] The player object position detecting program 62 a is a program for detecting a position in a game world of the player object. The player object proceeding direction detecting program 62 b is a program for detecting the proceeding direction of the player before the area is switched, and the proceeding direction in the scene after the area is switched. The player object operating program 62 c is a program for moving the player object based on an operation input from the operating portion 32. Other-objects arranging program 62 d is a program for arranging other objects (enemy object, and etc.,) in the game world, and other-objects controlling program 62 e is a program for moving other objects.

[0084] In addition, the background arranging program 64 a generates a background image 104 based on the background image data 80, the map data 82, and etc., as shown in FIG. 5. The map data 82 is data for indicating what background (a geography such as a wall, a foothold, and etc., a movable area, and etc.) is arranged in one grid or a unit in a map divided by a grid, for example. The background image 104 is an image that corresponds to an entire scene such as one course or a stage, and etc., for example, and larger than the display screen 106 displayed on the LCD 16. It is noted that in this game apparatus 10, there are a plurality of the scenes so that in the ROM 52, a plurality of the map data 82 are stored. Furthermore, in each scene, the background image larger than the display screen is displayed on the display by scrolling the display screen area.

[0085] The scroll limit detecting program 64 b is a program for detecting whether or not the display screen 106 exists within a range of a scroll limit value set to an edge portion of the background image 104. The scroll controlling program 64 c is a program for controlling a movement of the display screen 106, and adjusts the movement of the screen display position of the display screen 106 in conjunction with the movement of the player object 108, for example, for keeping the player object 108 within the display screen 106 being caught. Furthermore, when switching the scene, the scroll controlling program 64 c adjusts the screen display position of the display screen 106 based on the position, the proceeding direction, and etc., of the player object 108 in the switched scene.

[0086] In addition, each of the background displaying program 68 and the object displaying program 66 is a program for generating the displayed data of the display screen 106 including the background image 104 and the object image so as to be displayed on the display 16. The controller input detecting program 60 is a program for detecting and obtaining the operation input signal generated in the operating portion 32 by an operation by the player.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, the screen display position data 92 includes position coordinates data of the display screen (game screen) 106 in the background image 104. The screen display position is indicated by an X-coordinate SCCH and a Y-coordinate SCCV using a constant point O (in this embodiment, upper left corner) of the background image 104 as the origin. In addition, using this screen display position (SCCH, SCCV) as a reference point of the display screen 106, a display range having a predetermined length (dot) in each X direction (right direction in FIG. 5) or Y direction (lower direction in FIG. 5) from this point is the display screen 106. As the screen display position data 92, an initial value in the course is set in advance. Furthermore, the screen display position data 92 is updated by being moved in conjunction with the movement of the player object 108, and so forth, in a case that the player object 108 approaches an edge of the display screen 106, for example, and etc., for keeping the player object 108 within the display screen 106 being caught. In addition, in this game apparatus 10, the screen display position data 92 is adjusted based on the position, the proceeding direction, and etc., of the player object 108 when the scene is switched.

[0088] As FIG. 5 shows, the player object position data 94 is position coordinates data of the player object 108 in the background image 104, and indicated by an X-coordinate PLXPOS and a Y-coordinate PLYPOS using the constant O as the origin. As the player object position data 94, the initial value in the course is set in advance. Furthermore, the player object position data 94 is updated by being calculated based on the operation input from the operating means 32 obtained by the controller input detecting program 60, the player object operating program 62 c, and etc. In addition, the player object direction data 96 is data for facing the direction or the proceeding direction of the player object 108. Its variable PLMUKI is set to 0 when the player object faces to left, and 1 when the player object faces to right, for example.

[0089] The first map data 82 a is map data of the scene yet to be switched. The second map data 82 b is map data of the switched scene, and the switched map data is loaded from the ROM 52 when there is an operation for switching.

[0090] The scroll controlling position data 98 is data used for adjusting the screen display position of the display screen 106 when the scene is switched, and in a case that there are a plurality of portions for switching the scene in the course, for example, the scroll controlling position data 98 by each portion to be switched is stored in the ROM 52 in advance. The scroll controlling data 98 includes following parameters for adjusting in right and left (horizontal) directions, that is, an X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPLL when the player faces to left, an X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPLR when the player faces to left, an X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPRR when the player faces to right, and an X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPRL when the player faces to right.

[0091] PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR are applied for adjusting the screen position when the proceeding direction of the object 108 faces to left in the scene after switching the scene, and as shown in FIG. 6, set on the display screen 106. That is, the parameters at a time of facing to left are defined in the X-coordinate of a coordinate system in which the screen display position of the display screen 106 is used as the origin. In addition, PXDSPLR is set to a right edge portion of the display screen 106, PXDSPLL is set to an approximately center of the display screen 106, and a range sandwiched by these is arranged on a slightly right side of the display screen 106. To adjust the screen position, it is determined in what relationship the X-coordinate of a display position coordinates (PLXDSP, PLYDSP) of the player object 108 is in relation to these parameters PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR. It is noted that the display position coordinates (PLXDSP, PLYDSP) of the player object 108 is the position coordinates of the player object 108 in the coordinate system in which the screen display position (SCCH, SCCV) of the display screen 106 is the origin.

[0092] On the other hand, PXDSPRR and PXDSPRL are applied when the proceeding direction of the player object 108 faces to right in the scene after switching the scene. These right-facing parameters are set on the display screen 106 as shown in FIG. 7, that is, the parameters are defined in the X-coordinate of a coordinate system in which the screen display position of the display screen 106 is the origin. In addition, PXDSPRL is set to a left edge portion of the display screen 106, PXDSPRR is set to an approximately center of the display screen 106, and a range sandwiched by these is arranged on a slightly left side of the display screen 106. Furthermore, to adjust the screen position, it is determined in what relationship the X-coordinate PLXDSP of the display position coordinates of the player object 108 is relative to these parameters PXDSPRR and PXDSPRL.

[0093] In addition, to make adjustments in an upward and downward (vertical) directions, the scroll control position data 98 includes a player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter PYDSPU and a player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter PYDSPD, and a player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter limit value PYDSPULMT and a player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter limit value PYDSPDLMT. These vertical adjustment-use parameters, too, are set relative to the display screen 106 as shown in FIG. 8, that is, these parameters are defined in the Y-coordinate of a coordinate system in which the screen display position of the display screen 106 is the origin. Using these PYDSPU and PYDSPD as a reference, the screen display position is adjusted in the upward and downward directions. To adjust the screen position, it is determined in what relationship the Y-coordinate PYDSPD of the display position coordinates of the player object 108 is relative to these parameters PYDSPU and PYDSPD. It is noted that to each parameter PYDSPU and PYDSPD, PYDSPULMT and PYDSPDLMT, which are the limit values, may be set. However, in this embodiment, in a case that the proceeding direction of the upward and downward directions is determined in the scene after switching the scene, the limit value PYDSPDLMT is not applied to the lower-side parameter PYDSPD in order to adjust toward only the lower side when the proceeding direction is upward, and in addition, the limit value PYDSPULMT is not applied to the upper-side parameter PYDSPU in order to adjust toward only the upper side when the proceeding direction is downward.

[0094] The scroll limit position data 100 is data for limiting the screen display position of the display screen 106 in order for the display screen 106 to be contained within the background image 104, and as shown in FIG. 5, includes a scroll left limit-value LLIMIT, a scroll right limit-value RLIMIT, a scroll upper limit value ULIMIT, and a scroll lower limit value DLIMIT. This scroll limit position data 106 is stored in advance by each course or scene, for example.

[0095] In this game apparatus 10, in the area yet to be switched, when the player object 108 is located at the entrance for switching the area, the area switch is performed. Or, when a predetermined operation is further performed at the position, and so forth, the area switch may be performed, and in this case, only when there is the secured area switching operation by the player, the area switch may be caused to occur. To the entrance for the area switch, a drainpipe, a door, and etc., may be applied, and however, an arbitrary thing may be applied as well.

[0096] In a case of the area switch, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched area is detected, and based on the proceeding direction, the screen display position of the display screen 106 is adjusted.

[0097] The proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched area differs depending on presence or absence of the directionality of the exit in the switched area. That is, in a case that the exit in the switched area is a door, and etc., that have no directionality, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the area yet to be switched is detected, and this proceeding direction is adopted as the proceeding direction of the switched area as it is. This makes the proceeding direction of the player object 108 before and after switching the area equal. On the other hand, in a case that the exit in the switched area is a thing having a directionality of the horizontal direction such as a drainpipe, and etc., that faces to left or right, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 is forcedly adjusted to the direction of the exit so that the direction (left or right) of the exit is directly adopted as the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched area. In addition, in a case that the exit in the switched area is a thing having the directionality in the upward and downward directions such as a drainpipe, and etc., that face to an upward or downward direction, the proceeding direction (left or right) of the player object 108 in the area yet to be switched is detected, and this direction is adopted as the proceeding direction of the horizontal direction of the switched area, and in addition, the direction (upward or downward) of the exit in the switched area is adopted as the proceeding direction of the upward and downward directions of the switched area. Thus, it is possible to adopt the proceeding direction according to a situation of the switched area.

[0098] Thereafter, based on the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the switched area, the screen display position of the display screen 106 is adjusted in such a manner that the background image on the proceeding direction side is rendered as large as possible, for example. In addition, the display screen 106 according to the adjusted screen display position is displayed on the display 16. Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily grasp the proceeding direction of the switched area, and in addition, the proceeding direction side is adjusted in such a manner as to be as large as possible, thus possible to easily grasp what exists on the proceeding direction side.

[0099] More specifically, in FIG. 9, the display screen 106 in the area yet to be switched is displayed. On this display screen 106, in the air above a ground 110, a downward-facing drainpipe is arranged as the entrance 112 for switching the area, for example. In FIG. 9 (A), as a result of the player depressing a right side of the cross button 18 of the operating portion 32 for example, the player object 108 moves from the right side to the left side on the display screen 106, and reaches a vicinity of a lower area of the entrance 112 in a right-facing posture. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (B), in the position below the downward-facing drainpipe 112, as a result of the player depressing the A button 24 of the operating portion 32, for example, the player object 108 jumps and enters the entrance 112, which switches the area. In this area yet to be switched, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 faces to right as understood from FIG. 9.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 10, in the map of the switched area, an upward-facing drainpipe is arranged as the exit 114 of an area switching destination, for example. As shown in FIG. 10 (A), an initial value of the position of the player object 108 of the switched area is set in such a manner as to be hidden within the upward-facing drainpipe 114, for example, and after the switched display screen 106 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), the player object 108 is forcedly moved above the upward-facing drainpipe 114 and comes out automatically. Thus, in a case that the switched exit 114 accompanies a forced movement such as the drainpipe, and etc., the player is made to operate after the forced movement of the player object 108 is ended so that the adjustment of the screen position of the display screen 106 is performed based on the position of the player object 108, which is after the forced movement, as shown in FIG. 10 (B).

[0101] First, the screen position adjustment of the horizontal direction will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when an operation for switching the area is performed, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), the background image 104 of the switched area is generated based on the map data 82 b of the switched area, and the ground 110, the exit 114, and etc., are arranged in a predetermined position. The player object 108 is arranged in the initial value of the position (PLXPOS, PLYPOS) of the player object 108 stored in advance, and determined based on the position in which the player object 108 has just come out of the drainpipe 114 as described above. In addition, the display screen 106 is set based on the initial value of the screen display position (SCCH, SCCV) of the switched area stored in advance. In addition, this exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe so that as the proceeding direction of the horizontal direction of the switched player object 108, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the area yet to be switched, that is, the right-facing, is adopted. Therefore, to the scroll controlling parameter for adjusting the horizontal direction, the parameter when facing to right, that is, the X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPRR when the player faces to right and the X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPRL when the player faces to right are set.

[0102] In this FIG. 11 (A), the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and an initial position (after the forced movement) of the switched player object 108 are set in such a manner as to be in a slightly right edge portion on the display screen 106. Therefore, the display area of the proceeding direction (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 is narrow, and if the switched display screen 106 is displayed as it is, so little information is obtained on the proceeding direction that the player is not capable of knowing the situation of the proceeding direction. As a consequent, in this case, the adjustment of the screen display position is executed. More specifically, by a right edge check using the X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPRR when the player faces to right, it is determined whether or not the display position X-coordinate PLXDSP of the player object 108 is larger than PXDSPRR. As a result, in a case that PLXDSP is larger than PXDSPRR, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), a value of the screen display position X-coordinate SCCH is adjusted in such a manner that PLXDSP becomes equal to PXDSPRR, for example. An adjusting position of the screen display position is calculated based on the position of the player object 108 and the parameter for the screen adjustment, for example. In this case, the adjusting position may be calculated as required when the scene switch is needed so that it is possible to render a data volume small. This adjustment makes it possible to render the display area of the proceeding direction side (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 larger than that of a case of the initial position of FIG. 11 (A).

[0103] Next, after the area is switched, as shown in FIG. 12 (A), first, the display screen 106 in which the upward-facing drainpipe 114 and the player object 108 are located at an approximately center is displayed on the LCD 16. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), a manner in which the player object 108 automatically comes out of the upward-facing drainpipe 114 is displayed.

[0104] Thus, after the scene is switched, the display screen on which the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene is reflected is displayed so that it is possible to perform the screen display for the player to easily play. More specifically, in this FIG. 12, in the display screen 106 of the switched area, the player object 108 that faces to the proceeding direction of the scene yet to be switched is displayed so that it is possible for the player to easy understand the direction to which the player intends to proceed even if the area is switched. Furthermore, the screen display position is made to be adjusted in such a manner that the display area on the proceeding direction side is rendered as large as possible so that the direction to be proceeded becomes easy to understand, and in addition, the information obtained from the proceeding direction side such as the background image of the geography, and etc., and the enemy or the item, and etc., increase in volume, for example. Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily determine the operation to be performed next, thus becoming easy to play the switched play.

[0105] It is noted that in this embodiment, the X-coordinate PLXDSP of the player display position is adjusted in such a manner as to be equal to the X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPRR when the player faces to right. However, the adjusting position is not always limited thereto, and may be adjusted in such a manner that PLXDSP exists within a range of PXDSPRL and PXDSPRR, for example. In addition, PXDSPRR is preferably set to as left side as possible on the display screen in order that the display area on the right side, which is the proceeding direction, is rendered as large as possible.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), in a case that the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and the initial position of the switched player object 108 are set to a slightly left edge portion on the display screen 106, the display area on the proceeding direction is largely secured, thus no problem. However, if the player object 108 is too close to the left edge, it becomes difficult to see, and therefore, in this embodiment, the screen display position is made to be adjusted. More specifically, in a case that the player display position X-coordinate PLXDSP is smaller than the X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPRL when the player faces to right, the X-coordinate SCCH of the screen display position is adjusted in such a manner that PLXDSP is rendered equal to PXDSPRL, or PLXDSP enters the range of PXDSPRL and PXDSPRR as shown in FIG. 13 (B). In this case, too, the display area of the proceeding direction is secured in a sufficiently large portion.

[0107] In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, in a case that the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and the initial position of the switched player object 108 are set within the range of PXDSPRL and PXDSPRR on the display screen 106, the display area of the proceeding direction is secured in a sufficiently large portion so that the adjustment of the screen display position is not performed in particular.

[0108] In FIG. 15, similar to the above-described FIG. 9, the downward-facing drainpipe as the entrance 112 for switching the area is arranged. However, in this FIG. 15 (A), as a result of the player operating the operating portion 32, the player object 108 moves from the right side of the display screen 106, and reaches a lower portion of the entrance 112 in a left-facing posture. Then, as shown in FIG. 15 (B), as a result of the player using the operating portion 32 so as to perform a predetermined operation, the player object 108 jumps and enters the entrance 112. Thereby, the area is switched. In this area yet to be switched, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 faces to left as understood from FIG. 15.

[0109] When the operation for switching the area is performed, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), the background image 104 of the switched area is generated, and the ground 110, the exit 114, and etc., are arranged in a predetermined position. The player object 108 is arranged in a position in which the player object 108 has just come out of the drainpipe 114 based on the initial position. In addition, the display screen 106, too, is set based on the initial value. Furthermore, the exit 114 in the switched scene is the upward-facing drainpipe similar to the above-described FIG. 10 so that as the proceeding direction of the horizontal direction of the switched player object 108, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the area yet to be switched, that is, the left-facing, is adopted. Therefore, in this FIG. 16 (A), as the scroll controlling parameter for adjusting in the horizontal direction, the parameters at a time of facing to left, that is, the X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPLR when the player faces to left and the X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPLL when the player faces to left, are set.

[0110] Then, in this FIG. 16 (A), the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and the initial position (after the forced movement) of the switched player object 108 are set in such a manner as to be to a slightly left edge portion in the display screen 106. Therefore, similar to the case of FIG. 11 (A), the display area of the proceeding direction (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 is narrow so that the adjustment of the screen display position is performed. More specifically, by the left edge check using the X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPLL when the player faces to left, it is determined whether or not display position X-coordinate PLXDSP of the player object 108 is smaller than PXDSPLL. As a result, in a case that PLXDSP is smaller than PXDSPLL, a value of the screen display position X-coordinate SCCH is adjusted in such a manner that PLXDSP is rendered equal to PXDSPLL, or PLXDSP is located within the range of PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR as shown in FIG. 16 (B), for example. This makes it possible to render the display area of the proceeding direction side (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 larger than that of a case of the initial position in FIG. 16 (A). Furthermore, after the area is switched, the display screen 106 on which the upward-facing drainpipe 114 and the player object 108 are adjusted in such a manner as to be in an approximately center is displayed on the LCD 16. In this case, too, it is possible for the player to easily understand the proceeding direction even when the area is switched. Furthermore, the switched play becomes easy to play.

[0111] It is preferable that PXDSPLL is set to the right side on the display screen 106 in order that the display area on the left side, which is the proceeding direction, is rendered as large as possible.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 (A), in a case that the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and the initial position of the switched player object 108 are set to a slightly right edge portion on the display screen 106, the player object 108 is too close to the right edge so that it is difficult to see. Thus, the screen display position is adjusted. More specifically, in a case that the player display position X-coordinate PLXDSP is smaller than the X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPLR when the player faces to left, the X-coordinate SCCH of the screen display position is adjusted in order that PLXDSP is rendered equal to PXDSPLR, or PLXDSP enters the range of PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR as shown in FIG. 17 (B). In this case, too, the display area of the proceeding direction is secured in an efficiently large portion.

[0113] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 8, in a case that the position of the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, and the initial position of the switched player object 108 are set within the range of PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR on the display screen 106, the display area of the proceeding direction is secured so largely that the adjustment of the screen display position is not performed in particular.

[0114] Next, the screen position adjustment in the upward and downward directions will be described. In this embodiment, in a case that the exit 114, which is the area switching destination, is an exit that has the directionality in the upward and downward directions such as the drainpipe in the upward and downward directions, and etc., the screen position adjustment in the upward and downward directions is made to be performed based on its proceeding direction, assuming that the directionality has the proceeding direction not only in the horizontal direction, but also in the upward and downward directions. That is, in a case of the upward-facing drainpipe, the player object 108 comes out toward the above from the inside of the drainpipe so that it can be said that its proceeding direction is upward. On the other hand, in a case of the downward-facing drainpipe, the player object 108 comes out toward the below from inside the drainpipe so that it can be said that its proceeding direction is downward.

[0115] In FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, there is shown one example of the adjustment of the upward and downward directions in a case that the exit 114 in the switched scene is the upward-facing drainpipe. When the operation for switching the area is performed, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), the background image 104 of the switched area is generated, and the exit 114, and etc., are arranged in the predetermined position. The player object 108 is determined in a position in which the player object 108 has just come out of the drainpipe 114 as described above. It is noted that in this FIG. 19, there is shown a case that the proceeding direction of the horizontal direction of the player object 108 faces to right. However, the adjustment of the vertical direction is not relied on the horizontal direction.

[0116] The display screen 106 is set based on the initial value of the screen display position, and the player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter limit value PYDSPULMT and the player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter limit value relative to this display screen 106 are set. In this FIG. 19 (A), the area switching destination is the upward-facing drainpipe so that the player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter PYDSPD is set to the same position as a lower limit of the display screen 106 in the first place, and the Y-coordinate upper-side parameter PYDSPU is set to the same position as PYDSPULMT. Thereafter, PYDSPD is set to a lower value on the screen, out of PYDSPDLMT and the player display position PLYDSP, which is forcedly moved.

[0117] In this FIG. 19 (A), the initial position (after the forced movement) of the player object 108 is set to a slightly upper edge portion of the display screen 106, and PYDSPDLMT is lower than PLYDSP. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19 (B), PYDSPD is set to the same position as PYDSPDLMT.

[0118] In addition, in a case of being thus arranged slightly to the upper edge portion, the display area on an upward direction side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108, is narrow so that if the switched display screen 106 is displayed as it is, so little information is obtained on the upper direction side, thus not possible for the player to understand the situation of the proceeding direction. Therefore, in such the case, the adjustment of the screen display position is executed. More specifically, by the upper edge check using the player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter PYDSPU, it is determined whether or not the display position Y coordinate PLYDSP of the player object 108 is smaller than PYDSPU. As a result, in a case that PLYDSP is smaller than PYDSPU, as shown in FIG. 19 (C), a value of the screen display position Y-coordinate SCCV is adjusted in order that PLYDSP is rendered equal to PYDSPU, for example. This makes it possible to render the display area on the proceeding direction side (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 is rendered larger than that of a case of the initial position of FIG. 19 (A). Therefore, in a case that the area switching destination is the upward-facing drainpipe, as a result of the screen display position being adjusted so as to be moved upward, the information on the proceeding direction side is increased, thus the determination of the operation to be performed next becomes easy. This makes it easy to perform the play of the switched area.

[0119] It is noted that the adjusting position is not limited to the position of PYDSPU. It may be possible to adjust in such a manner that PLYDSP exits within the range of PYDSPU and PYDSPD, for example.

[0120] In addition, as shown in FIG. 20 (A), in a case that the initial position of the player object 108 of the switched area is set to a slightly lower edge portion of the display screen 106, and the display position PLYDSP of the player, which is forcedly moved, is located in a lower side than PYDSPDLMT, the display area on the upper side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108, is largely secured. Therefore, in this case, the screen adjustment of the upward and downward directions is not made to be performed in this embodiment. Due to this, PYDSPD is set to the same position as the display position Y coordinate PLYDSP, which is after the forced movement of the player object 108, in order that the adjustment is not performed by the lower edge check by PYDSPD as shown in FIG. 20 (B).

[0121] In addition, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), in a case that the initial position of the player object 108 of the switched area is set to an approximately center, and the player display position PLYDSP, which is after the forced movement, exists within the range of PYDSPULMT and PYDSPDLMT, too, the display area on the proceeding direction side is secured so largely that the adjustment of the screen display position is not performed in particular. It is noted that in this case, PYDSPDLMT is in a lower side than PLYDSP so that PYDSPD is set to the same position as PYDSPDLMT as shown in FIG. 21 (B).

[0122] In FIG. 22, FIG. 23, and FIG. 24, there is shown one example of the adjustment of the upward and downward directions in a case that the exit 114 in the switched scene is the downward-facing drainpipe. It is noted that below the downward-facing drainpipe 114, a foothold 116 in which the player object 108 that has just come out lands is arranged.

[0123] In a case that the area switching destination is the downward-facing drainpipe, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), the player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter PYDSPU is set to the same position as an upper limit of the display screen 106 in the first place, and player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter PYDSPD is set to the same position as PYDSPDLMT. Thereafter, PYUSPD is set to an upper value on the screen, out of PYDSPULMT and the player display position PLYDSP, which is after the forced movement.

[0124] In this FIG. 22 (A), the initial position (after the forced movement) of the player object 108 is set to a slightly lower edge portion of the display screen 106, and PYDSPULMT is in an upper area than PLYDSP. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22 (B), PYDSPU is set to the same position as PYDSPULMT.

[0125] In a case of being thus arranged slightly to the lower edge portion, the display area on the lower direction side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108, is narrow so that the adjustment of the screen display position is executed. More specifically, by the lower edge check using the player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter PYDSPD, it is determined whether or not the display position Y coordinate PLYDSP of the player object 108 is larger than PYDSPD. As a result, in a case that PLYDSP is larger than PYDSPD, as shown in FIG. 22 (C), a value of screen display position Y-coordinate SCCV is adjusted in order that PLYDSP is rendered equal to PYDSPD, for example. This makes it possible to render the display area on the proceeding direction side (indicated by a dotted arrow) of the player object 108 larger than that of a case of the initial position of FIG. 22 (A). Therefore, in a case that the area switching destination is the downward-facing drainpipe, as a result of the screen display position being adjusted so as to be moved downward, the information on the proceeding direction side is increased, thus the determination of the operation to be performed next becomes easy. This makes it easy to perform the play of the switched area.

[0126] It is noted that the adjusting position is not limited to the position of PYDSPD. It may be possible to adjust in such a manner that PLYDSP exits within the range of PYDSPU and PYDSPD, for example.

[0127] In addition, as shown in FIG. 23 (A), in a case that the initial position of the player object 108 of the switched area is set to a slightly upper edge portion of the display screen 106, and the display position PLYDSP of the player, which is forcedly moved, is located in an upper side than PYDSPULMT, the display area on the lower side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108, is largely secured. Therefore, in this case, the screen adjustment of the upward and downward directions is not made to be performed in this embodiment. Due to this, PYDSPU is set to the same position as the display position Y coordinate PLYDSP, which is after the forced movement of the player object 108, in order that the adjustment is not performed by the upper edge check by PYDSPD as shown in FIG. 23 (B).

[0128] In addition, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), in a case that the initial position of the player object 108 of the switched area is set to an approximately center, and the player display position PLYDSP, which is after the forced movement, exists within the range of PYDSPULMT and PYDSPDLMT, too, the display area on the proceeding direction side is secured so largely that the adjustment of the screen display position is not performed in particular. It is noted that in this case, PYDSPULMT is in a lower side than PLYDSP so that PYDSPU is set to the same position as PYDSPULMT as shown in FIG. 24 (B).

[0129] It is noted that in the above, the exit 114 of the area switching destination is the drainpipe of the upward and downward directions, and the proceeding direction of the horizontal direction of the switched area are determined by the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the area yet to be switched. However, the exit 114 may be an exit having the directionality in the horizontal direction such as the drainpipe in the horizontal direction, and etc. In this case, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the switched area is determined by the direction of the exit 114 irrespective of the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the area yet to be switched.

[0130] More specifically, in a case that the exit 114 is an exit that faces to right such as the right-facing drainpipe, and etc., the player object 108 comes out by facing to right after the area is switched as shown in FIG. 25 so that its proceeding direction faces to right. Therefore, the adjustment of the horizontal direction of the screen position is performed based on the parameters PXDSPRR and PXDSPRL when the player faces to right, similar to the cases of the above-described FIG. 11, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14. It is noted that in an example of this FIG. 25, the display position PLXDSP of the player object 108 is larger than PXDSPRR so that the screen position of the display screen 106 is adjusted in such a manner that the display area of the proceeding direction is rendered as large as possible.

[0131] In addition, in a case that the exit 114 is a left-facing exit such as the left-facing drainpipe, and etc., the player object 108 comes out by facing to left after the area is switched as shown in FIG. 26 so that its proceeding direction faces to left. Therefore, the adjustment of the horizontal direction of the screen position is performed based on the parameters PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR when the player faces to left, similar to the cases of the above-described FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18. It is noted that in an example of this FIG. 26, display position PLXDSP of the player object 108 is smaller than PXDSPLL so that the screen position of the display screen 106 is adjusted in such a manner that the display area on the proceeding direction side is rendered as large as possible.

[0132] It is noted that in a case that the exit 114 is an exit having the horizontal directionality, as shown in FIG. 27, each of the parameters PYDSPU and PYDSPD for the upward and downward screen adjustment is set to the same position as PYDSPULMT and PYDSPDLMT. In this case, there is no directionality in the upward and downward directions so that this upward and downward screen adjustment is not for the display area of the proceeding direction. That is, this is merely for making a correction in a case that the initial position of the player object 108 is too close to the upper and lower edge portions of the display screen 106.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above, the exit 114 of the area switching destination is an exit having the directionality in the vertical or horizontal direction. However, a doorway (exit or entrance, or both) for switching the area may not have the directionality. In this case, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene is determined by the proceeding direction of the player object 108 yet to be switched.

[0134] That is, in a case that a door as the entrance 112 having no directionality is arranged as shown in FIG. 28 (A), for example, when the player object 108 reaches the position of this door 112 from a left side, the proceeding direction faces to right. As shown in FIG. 28 (B), the exit 114 of the switching destination, too, is the door having no directionality so that the proceeding direction in the switched scene is set to right, which is the proceeding direction yet to be switched. In addition, the adjustment of the horizontal direction of the screen position is performed based on parameters PXDSPRR and PXDSPRL when the player faces to right.

[0135] In addition, as shown in FIG. 29 (A), when the player object 108 reaches the door 112 from a right side, the proceeding direction faces to left. Therefore, the proceeding direction in the switched scene is set to left, and as shown in FIG. 29 (B), the adjustment of the horizontal direction of the screen position is performed based on the parameters PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR when the player faces to left.

[0136] It is noted that as shown in FIG. 30, in a case of this doorway having no directionality, too, each of the parameters PYDSPU and PYDSPD for the upward and downward screen adjustment is set to the same position as PYDSPULMT and PYDSPDLMT, similar to the case of FIG. 27. Although the adjustment is not for the display area of the proceeding direction, the adjustment is performed in a corrective sense.

[0137] In FIG. 31, one example of a series of game operations of this game apparatus 10 is shown. When a power of the game machine 12 to which the cartridge 14 is attached is input, a necessary program and data are read out from the ROM 52 of the cartridge 14, and loaded (stored) into the working memory 48. As a result, a process is started by the CPU 40. Then, the game is instructed to start by the operation input of the operating portion 32 by the player, in a first step S1 of FIG. 31, the CPU 40 reads out from the ROM 52 the background image data 80, the map data 82, and the object arranging data necessary for each scene (also referred to as a course, a stage, or an area), and loads into the data storing area 90 of the work area 48. This allows the background and the player object, another object and etc., such as the enemy object, the geography object to be arranged in each initial position in each scene, and an initial setting of the data regarding each object, and etc., and other processes are performed.

[0138] Next, the CPU 40 obtains the operation input signal from the operating portion 32 in a step S3. It is noted that it may be possible not to receive the operation input, skipping this process of the step S3 while an initial image is displayed at a time of starting the game, switching the area, and so forth, for example.

[0139] In a succeeding step S5, the CPU 40 executes an operating process of the player object. That is, the player object 108 is made to operate corresponding to the operation input signal (in a case that the operation input is obtained in the preceding step S3) and the program. In a case that the player operates the cross button 18 of the operating portion 32, the CPU 40 makes the player object 108 to face to the proceeding direction corresponding to the operation input, and move to that direction in the game world, and updates the player object position data 94 to a moved position coordinates in this step S5. In addition, in a case that the A button 24 is operated, for example, the CPU 40 makes the player object 108 to jump, for example in this step S5. Furthermore, an action of coming out of the drainpipe, and etc., too, are processed in this step S5.

[0140] In a succeeding step S7, the CPU 40 executes an operating process of the object. In this process, the CPU 40 allows the objects (enemy object, and etc.) other than the player object 108 to operate corresponding to the operation input signal and the program.

[0141] In a succeeding step S9, the CPU 40 renders the background image in a predetermined area of a VRAM (not shown) based on the background image data 80, the map data 82, and etc. In addition, in a step S11, the CPU 40 renders into a predetermined area images of the player object 108, another object, and etc., that reflect the operation by the step S5 and the step S7 based on the object image data 78 including the player object image data 78 a, and etc.

[0142] In a step S13, the CPU 40 executes a scroll movement process. By the scroll movement process, the screen display position of the display screen is, as required, adjusted based on the position of the player object 108. In a case that the player object 108 is too close to an edge of the display screen 106, and etc., for example, the screen display position data 92 is updated in such a manner that the display screen 106 is moved in conjunction with the movement as required.

[0143] In a succeeding step S15, the CPU 40 allows the display screen 106 to be displayed on the display 16. More specifically, the CPU 40 composes the background image 104 and images of various objects, generates into a frame area of the VRAM not shown the image data that exists in the display range, that is, the image data of the display screen 106, based on the screen display position data 92, for example, applies the image data (displayed data) to the LCD 16, and allows the display screen 106 to be displayed on the LCD 16 using an LCD controller not shown.

[0144] In a step S17, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the player object 108 reaches a goal of this course or the scene, and if “YES”, the CPU 40 ends the game process of this course.

[0145] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S17, that is, in a case that the player object 108 does not reach the goal, the CPU 40 determines whether or not to switch the area in a succeeding step S19. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the player object 108 exists in the predetermined position for switching the area, whether or not there is a predetermined operation toward the entrance 112 for switching the area, and so forth. Toward the downward-facing drainpipe 112 as shown in FIG. 9, for example, it is determined whether or not the player object 108 is moved to a predetermined position below the drainpipe 112, and in addition, there is the operation for allowing the player object 108 to jump. Furthermore, toward the door 112 as shown in FIG. 28 (A), for example, it is determined whether or not there is the operation to move the player object 108 to the position of the door. If “NO” in this step S19, the process returns to the step S3 so as to repeat the game process of this course or the scene.

[0146] On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S19, that is, in a case that there is the operation for switching the area, the CPU 40 processes the area switch in a succeeding step S21. By this area switching process, the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene is detected, and the screen display position of the display screen 106 is adjusted corresponding to the proceeding direction. Details of this area switching process of this step S21 are shown from FIG. 32 to FIG. 36.

[0147] In a first step S31 in FIG. 32, the CPU 40 saves (stores) into a player object direction data area 96 direction PLMUKI of the player object 108 when there is the area switching operation. In a case of facing to left, “0” is set to PLMUKI, and in a case of facing to right, “1” is set to PLMUKI.

[0148] Next, in a step S33, the CPU 40 loads from another data area 86 of the ROM 52 area switching information of the switched scene, and in a succeeding step S3 5, an initial setting is processed for switching the area. The area switching information includes initial position data 94 of the player object 108 in the switched scene, screen initial display position data 92 of the display screen 106, parameter limit values for adjusting the upward and downward directions of the screen display position, and etc., for example. Based on this area switching information, the initial values of each variable necessary for the area switch are set. Each data is assigned to an X-coordinate PLXPOS of the player object, a Y-coordinate PLYPOS of the player object, the screen display position X-coordinate SCCH, a screen display position Y-coordinate SCCV, a player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter limit value PYDSPULMT, and a Y-coordinate lower-side parameter limit value PYDSPDLMT, for example. It is noted that in this step S35, each data is further assigned to an X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPLL when the player faces to left, an X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPLR when the player faces to left, an X-coordinate right-side parameter PXDSPRR when the player faces to right, an X-coordinate left-side parameter PXDSPRL when the player faces to right, a scroll left limit value LLIMIT, a scroll right limit value RLIMIT, a scroll upper limit value ULIMIT, a scroll lower limit value DLIMIT, and etc.

[0149] Next, in a succeeding step S37, the CPU 40 temporarily saves the initial position of the player object 108. More specifically, data of PLXPOS is set to the player X-coordinate temporary save PLXPOSTMP, and data of PLYPOS is set to the player Y coordinate temporary save PLYPOSTMP. In a case that the position of the player object 108 is forcedly moved after the area is switched like the doorway of the drainpipe shown in FIG. 10, and etc., for example, the adjustment of the screen position is performed based on the position after the forced movement of the player object 108 so that the initial position before the forced movement is herein saved in another variable area.

[0150] Then, in a step S39, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the area switching destination, which is the exit 114, has the directionality such as the drainpipe, and etc. If “YES” in this step S39, the CPU 40 corrects the position (PLXPOS, PLYPOS) of the player object to the position in which the player object has just come out in a succeeding step S41. This makes it possible to perform the adjustment of the screen position based on the position after the forced movement as described above.

[0151] Subsequently, in a step S43, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the exit 114 is the left-facing drainpipe 114 as shown in FIG. 26, and if “YES”, the CPU 40 sets “0” to PLMUKI in a succeeding step S45, that is, the CPU 40 sets the direction of the player object 108 to left. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S43, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the exit 114 is the right-facing drainpipe as shown in FIG. 25 in a step S47, and if “YES”, the CPU 40 sets “1” to PLMUKI in a succeeding step S49, that is, the CPU 40 sets the direction of the player object 108 to right. It is noted that if “NO” in the step S47, the process advances to a step S53 in FIG. 33.

[0152] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S39, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is not the drainpipe as shown in FIG. 28, and etc., the process advances to a step S51. In addition, upon completion of the step S45 and the step S49, the process advances to the step S51.

[0153] In the step S51, the CPU 40 sets each limit value to the parameters for scrolling upward and downward as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 30. That is, PYDSPULMT is assigned to a player Y-coordinate upper-side parameter PYDSPU, and PYUDSPDLMT is assigned to a player Y-coordinate lower-side parameter PYDSPD. Upon completion of the process of the step S51, the process advances to a step S59 in FIG. 33.

[0154] In the step S53 of FIG. 33, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the exit 114 is the upper-looking drainpipe as shown in FIG. 11, and etc., if “YES”, the CPU 40 sets the parameter for scrolling upward and downward to the value of a case of the upward-facing drainpipe. That is, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), FIG. 20 (A), and FIG. 21 (A), PYDSPULMT is assigned to PYDSPU, and a screen lower-limit position is assigned to PYDSPD.

[0155] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is the downward-facing drainpipe as shown in FIG. 22, and etc., the CPU 40 sets the parameter for the upward and downward scrolling to the value of a case of the downward-facing drainpipe in a succeeding step S57. That is, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), FIG. 23 (A), and FIG. 24 (A), the CPU 40 assigns a screen upper-limit position to PYDSPU, and assigns PYDSPDLMT to PYDSPD. It is noted that upon completion of the step S55 or the step S57, the process advances to the step S59.

[0156] In the step S59, the CPU 40 calculates the display position coordinates (PLXDSP, PLYDSP) of the player object 108 on the display screen 106. The display position coordinates are calculated according to a following equation:

PLXDSP=PLXPOS−SCCH.

PLYDSP=PLXPOS−SCCV.

[0157] Then, as a result of processes from a succeeding step S61 to a step S69, and from a step S71 to a step S77 in FIG. 34, the screen position adjustment of the horizontal direction based on the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the switched area is performed.

[0158] In the step S61, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the proceeding direction faces to left, that is, whether or not “0” is set to PLMUKI. If “YES” in the step S61, the CPU 40 performs a left edge check so as to determine whether or not PLXDSP is smaller than PXDSPLL in a succeeding step S63 as shown in FIG. 16 (A). If “YES” in this step S63, the CPU 40 calculates the screen display position X-coordinate based on the position coordinates of the player object 108 and the parameter when facing to left. The screen display position X-coordinate is calculated by a following equation, for example:

SCCH=PLXPOS−PXDSPLL.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 16 (B), this step S65 allows the screen display position to be adjusted, and the display position of the player object 108 on the display screen 106 is rendered the same position as PXDSPLL, for example. Therefore, in this case, this results in showing the display screen 106 having the left side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene, adjusted in such a manner as to be as large as possible.

[0160] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S63, the CPU 40 performs a right edge check in the succeeding step S67 so as to determine whether or not PLXDSP is equal to or larger than PXDSPLR as shown in FIG. 17 (A). If “YES” in this step S67, the CPU 40 calculates the screen display position X-coordinate in the succeeding step S69 according to a following equation:

SCCH=PLXPOS−PXDSPLR.

[0161] This allows the easing of the player object 108 being too close to the screen right edge as shown in FIG. 17 (B).

[0162] Upon completion of the process of the step S65 or the step S67, the process advances to the step S79 of FIG. 34. In addition, if “NO” in the step S67, that is, in a case that the PLXDSP is within the range of parameters PXDSPLL and PXDSPLR when facing to left as shown in FIG. 18, there is no need of the adjustment, and thus, the process advances to a succeeding step S79.

[0163] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S61, that is, in a case that the proceeding direction faces to right, and “1” is set to PLMUKI, the process advances to the step S71 in FIG. 34.

[0164] In the step S71 in FIG. 34, the CPU 40 performs the right edge check so as to determine whether or not PLXDSP is larger than PXDSPRR as shown in FIG. 11 (A). If “YES” in the step S71, the CPU 40 calculates the screen display position X-coordinate in the succeeding step S73. The screen display position X-coordinate is calculated by a following equation:

SCCH=PLXPOS−PXDSPRR,

[0165] for example. This step S73 allows the screen display position to be adjusted as shown in FIG. 11 (B), and the display position of the player object 108 on the display screen 106 is rendered the same position as PXDSPRR, for example. Therefore, in this case, this results in showing the display screen 106 having the right side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene, adjusted in such a manner as to be as large as possible.

[0166] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S71, the CPU 40 performs the left edge check in the succeeding step S75 so as to determine whether or not PLXDSP is equal to or smaller than PXDSRL as shown in FIG. 13 (A). If “YES” in this step S75, the CPU 40 calculates the screen display position X-coordinate according to a following equation in the succeeding step S77, for example:

SCCH=PLXPOS−PXDSPRL.

[0167] This allows the easing of the player object 108 being too close to the screen left edge as shown in FIG. 13 (B).

[0168] Upon completion of the process of the step S73 or the step S77, the process advances to the succeeding step S79. In addition, if “NO” in the step S75, that is, in a case that the PLXDSP is within the range of the parameters PXDSPRL and PXDSPR when facing to right as shown in FIG. 14, there is no need of the adjustment, and thus, the process advances to the succeeding step S79.

[0169] Subsequently, by processes from the step S79 to a step S85, it is checked whether or not the right and left screen positions reach right and left limit values of the course or the scene. First, in the step S79, the CPU 40 performs the left limit value check so as to determine whether or not SCCH is smaller than LLIMIT. If “YES” in this step S79, the CPU 40 corrects the screen display position X-coordinate within the scroll limit range in the succeeding step S81. SCCH is adjusted to be equal to LLIMIT, for example.

[0170] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S79, the CPU 40 performs the right limit value check in the succeeding step S83 to determine whether or not SCCH is larger than RLIMIT. If “YES” in this step S83, the CPU 40 corrects the screen display position X-coordinate within the scroll limit range in the succeeding step S85. SCCH is adjusted to be equal to RLIMIT, for example.

[0171] Upon completion of the process of the step S81 or the step S85, the process advances to a step S87 in FIG. 35. In addition, if “NO” in the step S83, SCCH is within the scroll limit range, and therefore, there is no need of the correction. Thus, the process directly advances to the step S87 in next FIG. 35.

[0172] The processes from the step S87 to a step S95 in FIG. 35 are setting processes for an upper-side parameter PYDSPU in a case that the exit 114 is the downward-facing drainpipe, and in addition, processes from a step S97 to a step S105 are setting processes for a lower-side parameter PYDSPD in a case that the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe.

[0173] In the step S87 in FIG. 35, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the upper-side parameter PYDSPU is set to its limit value PYDSPULMT. That is, in a case that the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe, PYDSPU is not set to PYDSPULMT, and therefore, in this step S87, it is essentially determined whether or not the exit 114 is the downward-facing drainpipe.

[0174] If “NO” in this step S87, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is the downward-facing drainpipe, the CPU 40 compares the upper-side parameter to the player display position so as to determine whether or not PYDSPU is smaller than PLYDSP in the succeeding step S89. That is, in a case that the exit 114 is the downward-facing drainpipe, as shown in FIG. 22 (A), and etc., PYDSPU is set to a screen upper limit, and this leads to an assumption that PYDSPU is smaller than the player display position PLYDSP. Herein, this assumption is made certain.

[0175] If “YES” in the step S89, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the player display position does not exceed the limit value of the upper-side parameter in the succeeding step S91, that is, whether or not PLYDSP is smaller than PYDSPULMT as shown in FIG. 23 (A). If “YES” in this step S91, the upper-side parameter PYDSPU is set to the same position as the player display position PLYDSP in the succeeding step S93 as shown in FIG. 23 (B). Thereby, in a case that the player object 108 exists above the upper-side parameter limit value, the screen adjustment is not made to be performed as shown in FIG. 23 (A).

[0176] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S91, that is, as shown in FIG. 22 (A) or FIG. 24 (A), in a case that PLYDSP is below PYDSPULMT, the CPU 40 sets the upper-side parameter PYDSPU to the same position as its limit value PYDSPULMT as shown in FIG. 22 (B) or FIG. 24 (B) in the succeeding step S95.

[0177] It is note that if “YES” in the step S87, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is not the downward-facing drainpipe, the process advances to the step S97. In addition, upon completion of the process of the step S93 or the step S95, or in a case of “NO” in the step S89, the process advances to the succeeding step S97.

[0178] In the step S97, the CPU 40 determines whether or not lower-side parameter PYDSPD is set to its limit value PYDSPDLMT. That is, in a case that the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe, PYDSPD is not set to the PYDSPDLMT, and therefore, it is essentially determined whether or not the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe in this step S97.

[0179] If “NO” in this step S97, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe, the CPU 40 compares the lower-side parameter to the player display position in the succeeding step S99 so as to determine whether or not PYDSPD is larger than PLYDSP. That is, in a case that the exit 114 is the upward-facing drainpipe, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), and etc., it is assumed that PYDSPD is set to a screen lower limit, and therefore, larger than player display position PLYDSP. Herein, this assumption is made certain.

[0180] If “YES” in the step S99, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the player display position does not exceed the limit value of the lower-side parameter in the succeeding step S101, that is, as shown in FIG. 20 (A), the CPU 40 determines whether or not PLYDSP is larger than PYDSPDLMT. If “YES” in this step S101, the CPU 40 sets the lower-side parameter PYDSPD to the same position as the player display position PLYDSP as shown in FIG. 20 (B) in the succeeding step S93. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 20 (A), in a case that the player object 108 exits below the lower-side parameter limit value, no screen adjustment is made to be performed.

[0181] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S101, that is, as shown in FIG. 19 (A) or FIG. 21 (A), in a case that PLYDSP is above PYDSPDLMT, the CPU 40 sets the lower-side parameter PYDSPU to the same position as its limit value PYDSPDLMT as shown in FIG. 19 (B) or FIG. 21 (B) in the succeeding step S105.

[0182] It is noted that if “YES” in the step S97, that is, in a case that the exit 114 is not the upward-facing drainpipe, the process advances to the succeeding step S107 in next FIG. 36. In addition, upon completion of the process of the step S103 or the step S105, or in a case of “NO” in the step S99, the process advances to a step S107 in next FIG. 36.

[0183] Then, by the processes from the step S107 to a step S113 in FIG. 36, in a case that the area switching destination is the drainpipe of the upward and downward directions, the screen position adjustment of the upward and downward directions is performed based on the proceeding direction of the player object 108 of the switched area. It is noted that in a case that the area switching destination does not have the directionality of the upward and downward directions, the adjustment for the display area of the proceeding direction is not performed but a corrective adjustment of the upward and downward directions is performed by these processes.

[0184] In the step S107, the CPU 40 performs an upper edge check so as to determine whether or not player display position PLYDSP smaller than the upper-side parameter PYDSPU. If “YES” in this step S107, that is, in a case that display position PLYDSP of the player object 108 is above the upper-side parameter PYDSPU as shown in FIG. 19 (B), the CPU 40 calculates a screen display position Y coordinate in the succeeding step S109. This screen display position Y coordinate is calculated by a following equation:

SCCV=PLXPOS−PYDSPU,

[0185] for example. This step S109 allows the screen display position to be adjusted to the upper side as shown in FIG. 19 (C), for example, and the display position of the player object 108 on the display screen 106 is rendered the same position as PYDSPU (=PYDSPULMT), for example. Therefore, this results in showing the display screen 106 having the upper side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene, adjusted in such a manner as to be as large as possible.

[0186] It is noted that herein, there is described the screen position adjustment to the upper side of a case that the area switching destination is the upward-facing drainpipe, and in a case that the area switching destination is not the drainpipe of the upward and downward directions, the corrective adjustment is performed by this step S107 and the step S109, which allows the easing of the player object 108 being too close to the screen left edge as shown in FIG. 13 (B).

[0187] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S107, the CPU 40 performs a lower edge check in the succeeding step S111 so as to determine whether or not player display position PLYDSP is larger than lower-side parameter PYDSPD. If “YES” in this step S111, that is, in a case that display position PLYDSP of the player object 108 is below the lower-side parameter PYDSPD as shown in FIG. 22 (B), for example, the CPU 40 calculates a screen display position Y coordinate in the succeeding step S113. This screen display position Y coordinate is calculated by a following equation, for example:

SCCV=PLYPOS−PYDSPD.

[0188] This step S113 allows the screen display position to be adjusted to the lower side as shown in FIG. 22 (C), for example, and the displaying position of the player object 108 on the display screen 106 is rendered the same position as PYDSPD (=PYDSPDLMT), for example. Therefore, there is shown the display screen 106 having the lower side, which is the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene, adjusted in such a manner as to be as large as possible.

[0189] It is noted that herein, there is described the screen position adjustment to the lower side of a case that the area switching destination is the downward-facing drainpipe. However, in a case that the area switching destination is not the drainpipe of the upward and downward directions, the corrective adjustment is performed by this step S107 and the step S113, which allows the easing of the player object 108 being too close to the screen lower edge.

[0190] On the other hand, in a case of “NO” in the step S111, that is, in a case that player display position PLYDSP exists within the range of the upper-side parameter PYDSPU and lower-side parameter PYDSPD as shown in FIG. 20 (B), FIG. 21(B), FIG. 23 (B), or FIG. 24 (B), and etc., the screen adjustment of the upward and downward directions is not performed, and the process directly advances to a step S115. It is noted that upon completion of the process of the step S109 or the step S113, the process advances to the step S115.

[0191] Subsequently, by processes from the step S115 to a step S121, it is checked whether or not the screen position of the upward and downward directions reaches the upward and downward limit values of the course or the scene. First, in the step S115, the CPU 40 performs the upper limit value check so as to determine whether or not SCCV is smaller than ULIMIT. If “YES” in this step S115, the CPU 40 corrects the screen display position Y coordinate within the scroll limit range in the succeeding step S117. SCCV is set to be equal to ULIMIT, for example.

[0192] On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S115, the CPU 40 performs the lower limit value check in the succeeding step S119 so as to determine whether or not SCCV is larger than DLIMIT. If “YES” in this step S119, the CPU 40 corrects the screen display position Y coordinate within the scroll limit range in the succeeding step S121. SCCV is set to be equal to DLIMIT, for example.

[0193] Upon completion of the process of the step S117 or the step S121, the process advances to a step S123. In addition, if “NO” in the step S19, SCCV is within the range of the scroll limit, thus no need of the correction. Therefore, the process directly advances to the step S123.

[0194] Furthermore, in the step S123, the CPU 40 restores the position (PLXPOS, PLYPOS) of the player object to the initial position. More specifically, initial value data of PLXPOSTMP temporarily stored is set to PLXPOS, and the initial value data of PLYPOSTMP temporarily stored is set to PLYPOS. Thereby, on the switched display screen 106, as shown in FIG. 12 (A), for example, the player object 108 is made to be displayed from the initial position. Upon completion of this step S123, the process returns to the flowchart in FIG. 31.

[0195] Returning to FIG. 31, upon completion of the process of the step S21, the process returns to the step S1 so as to repeat the process, and the game process of the switched scene is executed. Therefore, in the step S15, based on the screen display position adjusted by the area switching process of the step S21, the display screen 106 of the switched area is displayed on the LCD 16. That is, the screen display position is, as required, adjusted based on the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene so that the proceeding direction is reflected on the display screen 106.

[0196] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the scene is switched, based on the proceeding direction of the player object 108 in the switched scene, the position of the display screen is adjusted so that it is possible to display the display screen 106 on which the proceeding direction is reflected. Therefore, the proceeding direction is easy to understand, and in addition, it is possible to display the display screen easy to understand the situation of the proceeding direction, and perform the screen display easy for the player to play. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, it starts to display from the adjusted display screen 106 after being switched. Thus, it is possible to prevent unnaturalness that the display screen is scrolled even if no operation is performed after being switched as in the prior art so that the player is not made to have a strange feeling.

[0197] Furthermore, in a case that the display area on the proceeding direction side is rendered as large as possible, and the display area, which is not the proceeding direction, is rendered as small as possible, for example, it is possible to display by distinguishing between the thing intended to allow the player to see and the thing intended not to allow the player to see, depending on the direction to which the player object faces, thus giving a deeper aspect of an fascinating side of the game.

[0198] It is noted that in the above embodiment, the adjusted screen display position (adjusted position) is calculated based on the parameter for the screen adjustment and the display position data of the player object 108. However, in another embodiment, the adjusted screen position coordinates data (adjusted position coordinates data) that is correlated with each proceeding direction of the player objects 108 in the switched scene may be stored in the ROM 52 in advance, for example. That is, this adjusted position coordinates data is set to such a value in advance as to result in the display screen that is already adjusted, that is, on which the proceeding direction is reflected, so that the calculation after being switched is not needed. Then, when the operation for switching the area is performed, the proceeding direction in the switched scene is detected, and the adjusted position coordinates data corresponding to the detected proceeding direction may be assigned and set to the screen display position (SCCH, SCCV). According to this embodiment, there is a problem that there will be more settings, thus troublesome, which leads to more data amount, and however, it becomes advantageous to be more flexible. That is, it is possible to determine a free screen position adjusted to the proceeding direction by each switched area, thus capable of displaying the display screen 106 appropriate for the situation by each switched area, for example. This makes it possible to perform a variety of the screen displays.

[0199] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. 

1. A game apparatus in which a background image having a plurality of scenes and larger than a display screen displayed on a display in each scene is displayed on said display by scrolling, comprising: an operating means operated by a player; a player object generating means for generating a player object operated based on an operation input from said operating means; a background image generating means for generating the background image displayed in a scrolling manner based on a movement of said player object; a position detecting means for detecting a position of said player object; a scene switching means for switching the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected at least by said position detecting means that said player object exists in a predetermined position; a proceeding direction detecting means for detecting a proceeding direction of said player object in a switched scene by said scene switching means; an adjusting means for adjusting a position of said display screen in said switched scene based on said proceeding direction detected by said proceeding direction detecting means; and a displayed data generating means for generating displayed data for displaying on said display said display screen including said player object generated by said player object generating means and said background image generated by said background image generating means based on the position of said display screen adjusted by said adjusting means when the scene is switched by said scene switching means.
 2. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said proceeding direction detecting means detects the proceeding direction of said player object in a scene yet to be switched as the proceeding direction in the switched scene, said adjusting means adjusts the position of said display screen based on the proceeding direction in said scene yet to be switched detected by said proceeding direction detecting means.
 3. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said proceeding direction detecting means detects a direction of an exit in said switched scene as the proceeding direction in said switched scene, said adjusting means adjusts the position of said display screen based on the direction of said exit detected by said proceeding direction detecting means.
 4. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting means adjusts the position of said display screen in such a manner that a display area on the proceeding direction side in said switched scene is rendered as large as possible.
 5. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting means calculates an adjusted position based on position data of said player object in said switched scene.
 6. A game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an adjusted position data storing means for storing adjusted position data correlated with each proceeding direction in said switched scene; wherein said adjusting means sets said adjusted position data corresponding to said proceeding direction detected by said proceeding direction detecting means to the position of said display screen.
 7. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said scene switching means switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by said position detecting means that said player object exists in a predetermined position, and when there is a predetermined operation from the operating means.
 8. A storage medium that stores a game program to be executed by a game apparatus provided with an operating means operated by a player, and in which a background image having a plurality of scenes, and larger than a display screen displayed on a display in each scene is displayed on said display by scrolling, said game program allows a processor of said game apparatus to execute following steps of: a player object generating step for generating a player object operated based on an operation input from said operating means; a background image generating step for generating the background image displayed in a scrolling manner based on a movement of said player object; a position detecting step for detecting a position of said player object; a scene switching step for switching the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by at least said position detecting step that said player object exists in a predetermined position; a proceeding direction detecting step for detecting a proceeding direction of said player object in a switched scene by said scene switching step; an adjusting step for adjusting a position of said display screen in said switched scene based on said proceeding direction detected by said proceeding direction detecting step; and a displayed data generating step for generating displayed data for displaying on said display said display screen including said player object generated by said player object generating step and said background image generated by said background image generating step based on the position of said display screen adjusted by said adjusting step when the scene is switched by said scene switching step.
 9. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, wherein said proceeding direction detecting step detects the proceeding direction of said player object in a scene yet to be switched as the proceeding direction in the switched scene, said adjusting step adjusts the position of said display screen based on the proceeding direction in said scene yet to be switched detected by said proceeding direction detecting step.
 10. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, wherein said proceeding direction detecting step detects a direction of an exit in said switched scene as the proceeding direction in said switched scene, said adjusting step adjusts the position of said display screen based on the direction of said exit detected by said proceeding direction detecting step.
 11. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting step adjusts the position of said display screen in such a manner that a display area on the proceeding direction side in said switched scene is rendered as large as possible.
 12. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting step calculates an adjusted position based on position data of said player object in said switched scene.
 13. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, said game apparatus further comprises an adjusted position data storing means for storing adjusted position data correlated with each proceeding direction in said switched scene; wherein said adjusting step sets said adjusted position data corresponding to said proceeding direction detected by said proceeding direction detecting step to the position of said display screen.
 14. A storage medium that stores a game program according to claim 8, wherein said scene switching step switches the scene from a certain scene to another scene when detected by said position detecting step that said player object exists in a predetermined position, and when there is a predetermined operation from operating means. 